NCT05975333 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Writing Intervention With Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
What this study is about
Young people with cancer have difficult experiences and writing exercises may help improve their well-being. However, very few studies have examined how a creative writing activity might be useful for young people with cancer. In this pilot study, researchers at St.
View original scientific description
Young people with cancer have difficult experiences and writing exercises may help improve their well-being. However, very few studies have examined how a creative writing activity might be useful for young people with cancer. In this pilot study, researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital hope to explore whether teenagers and young adults with cancer want to participate in a writing exercise and whether they find it to be valuable. Primary Objective To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a writing-based narrative medicine intervention for adolescent and young adult patients with cancer.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Writing
Participants will be asked to write about their experiences with cancer, guided by several specific open-ended writing prompts to spark ideas.
BEHAVIORAL
Interview
Following completion of the writing exercise, participants will reflect on their experiences with the writing intervention in a semi-structured private interview with a member of the research team.
Primary outcome measures
Number of touchpoints that participants have with the narrative medicine expert/guide
Time frame: During the narrative exercise, up to 2 months after enrollment
To determine intervention feasibility, the number of touchpoints that participants have with the narrative medicine expert/guide will be tracked
Number of participants who complete the writing exercise
Time frame: During the narrative exercise, up to 2 months after enrollment
To determine intervention feasibility, the number of participants who complete the writing exercise will be tracked
Intervention acceptability
Time frame: Post-intervention interview will occur after the narrative exercise is completed at around 2 months after enrollment, +/- 1 month
Comparison of acceptability between participants who did/did not participate in the optional check-ins. Analysis of de-identified semi-structured interviews will be done. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using content analysis, an inductive approach that includes memo-writing, codebook development, coding, reconciliation, and synthesis to identify emerging patterns and themes.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Currently receiving cancer-directed therapy
- Active patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Parent of a ChronCan participant who has passed away
Exclusion criteria
- Does not meet the inclusion criteria
- If the parents have not responded or not interviewed till July 31, 2027.
Where
- Memphis, Tennessee
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations